First Comes Love - Emily Giffin

Goodreads summary:

In this dazzling new novel, Emily Giffin, the #1 New York Timesbestselling author of Something Borrowed, Where We Belong, and The One & Only introduces a pair of sisters who find themselves at a crossroads.

Growing up, Josie and Meredith Garland shared a loving, if sometimes contentious relationship. Josie was impulsive, spirited, and outgoing; Meredith hardworking, thoughtful, and reserved. When tragedy strikes their family, their different responses to the event splinter their delicate bond.

Fifteen years later, Josie and Meredith are in their late thirties, following very different paths. Josie, a first grade teacher, is single—and this close to swearing off dating for good. What she wants more than the right guy, however, is to become a mother—a feeling that is heightened when her ex-boyfriend’s daughter ends up in her class. Determined to have the future she’s always wanted, Josie decides to take matters into her own hands.

On the outside, Meredith is the model daughter with the perfect life. A successful attorney, she’s married to a wonderful man, and together they’re raising a beautiful four-year-old daughter. Yet lately, Meredith feels dissatisfied and restless, secretly wondering if she chose the life that was expected of her rather than the one she truly desired.

As the anniversary of their tragedy looms and painful secrets from the past begin to surface, Josie and Meredith must not only confront the issues that divide them, but also come to terms with their own choices. In their journey toward understanding and forgiveness, both sisters discover they need each other more than they knew . . . and that in the recipe for true happiness, love always comes first.

Emotionally honest and utterly enthralling, First Comes Love is a story about family, friendship, and the courage to follow your own heart—wherever that may lead.


My review:

4/5

I've been a fan of Emily Giffin's ever since I read Something Borrowed - which I know is a controversial novel - so I was very excited to read her most recent novel, since I must say that I haven't read that many books from her. I might not be part of the targeted audience for this particular novel (and I wasn't either for Something Borrowed, especially since I read it when I was about 14), but it still interested me, so when I finally got my hands on it, I couldn't resist picking it up. I wasn't disappointed, even though it's much different from what I was expecting.

I liked how the book starts with the tragedy that strikes the family, the older brother's death. Even though the rest of the story takes place fifteen years later, this particular event is truly what started this story, so I feel like it's important for the readers to know about it from the very beginning. Since I'm about the girls' age at the moment of the tragedy right now, I could imagine what it would be like to lose a sibling so suddenly and it made it easier for me to relate to them. I loved how different Josie and Meredith's reactions to grief are, because it reminds me a little bit of how different my sister and I are and that made the story even more realistic to me. Also, as someone who hasn't lost that many people yet (touch wood), it's always a bit difficult for me to imagine losing a close one, so even though it's a bit painful to read about, grief is something that has always interested me.

The main characters are incredibly well developped and they keep becoming more and more interesting. I'm not sure which one of the sisters is my favourite, because I really like the both of them, even though they can be exasperating sometimes. Seeing their relationship evolve is really interesting because at first they keep arguing and it's kind of a love/hate relationship, but as the story progresses, it becomes more about love than anything else. It was really touching to see and it felt even better than a regular rom-com.

As for the actual relationships, I think they're quite realistic, but since I have absolutely no experience in this field, I could be completely wrong. I liked seeing the start of a relationship as well as the struggles of another one, since the contrast between the both of them is impressive. Meredith's honesty and her desire to find what's best for her is inspiring, because most people don't have that much courage.

Overall, I found this story to be a very pleasant read. It's not necessarily an easy book, but I had a nice time reading it. I'd recommend it!

BookTube-A-Thon 2016: A Big Fail

Hi everyone! As you know, I participated in this year's BookTube-A-Thon, like always. I did a blog post about my TBR for this year and it made me so excited that I was convinced I would be able to read a lot and to even post a few reviews during the week. However, it didn't exactly go as I planned, which you'll see in the summary of my reading challenges. I hope you enjoy reading it, and I'm sorry for the lack of blog posts!

Monday, July 18

On Monday, I was as motivated as anyone could be, so I tried reading a bit before I went to bed at midnight and I read while eating breakfast. I focused on Hearts, Fingers, and Other Things to Cross, since it's such a short book. I was working that day, even though I wasn't supposed to, so I didn't get that much free time after that.

Tuesday, July 19

On Tuesday, I was finally free, so I read as much as I could. I started reading Frankenstein, but only for about 50 pages. I finished reading Hearts, Fingers, and Other Things to Cross, which made me very happy. I gave it 3/5. At night, I started The Cinderella Pact, which I really liked from the beginning. 

Wednesday, July 20

Wednesday was my reading day. I read quite a big part of Frankenstein, but I also started listening to I Was Here. I continued reading The Cinderella Part as well, so although I didn't finish a book on that day, I did get some progress.

Thursday, July 21

On Thursday, I started panicking because I had only finished one of my seven books, so I almost finished Frankenstein in one more sitting. Then, I read Zenith in one sitting, because it's a lot shorter than I expected it to be. I gave it 3.5/5. Somewhere between Thursday and Friday, I finished The Cinderella Pact, which I gave 4/5.

Friday, July 22

On Friday morning, I finished reading Frankenstein. I didn't feel like picking it up one last time, but since I really enjoyed it, I gave it 4/5. I wasn't supposed to work that day, but I did anyways, so I didn't have time to read after that. 

Saturday, July 23

Things went downhill on Saturday, when I had a really bad day at work. When I came home, all I wanted to do was sleep, so after trying to listen to I Was Here for half an hour, I went to bed and didn't get out until my alarm woke me up the next day, instead of finishing I Was Here and starting to read The Story Girl like I had planned.

Sunday, July 24

Finally, on Sunday, I realized that I wouldn't be able to complete all the challenges. I did finish I Was Here, and I gave it 5/5, but I didn't touch The Story Girl or Matilda, since I wasn't feeling all that well and I simply didn't have enough time.

Overall, I'm happy that I read five books, even though I wanted to read seven. I wish I had completed more reading challenges though, because I only completed four of them. 

I've been extremely busy since then, so I haven't read much at all and I didn't have time to touch my computer, let alone write a review for one of the books I read during BookTube-A-Thon. I'm going on vacation tomorrow for one week, but I won't have my computer and there won't be any Internet anyways, so you guys won't here from me for a few more days. I'm really, really sorry about that, but I hadn't realized how crazy my life would be during this week. I hope to post again very soon though!

I wish you all a good day :)

My Summer TBR

I've had a reading slump for my entire first month of summer vacation, so I really haven't been reading as much as I hoped to. Now that I'm getting back into it (slowly, so we're not going to get too excited in case it's a fail), I hope to read a lot more this summer, because it's definitely the best time for me to tackle my TBR pile. I'm going to make a list of books I want to read this summer to help myself whenever I'm looking for a new book to read, but this could also help some of you guys who want to know what to read next! I'm also open to recommendations, as always. Like all of my blog posts, the pictures will take you to the books' Goodreads page. 

YA

Summer in the Invisible City by Juliana Romano

This book is a new release that intrigued me a lot from the very beginning, so I couldn't resist buying it. It's set in NYC, where I've never been, and a lot of it is about photography, which is an awesome passion. I'm actually already reading this, because I simply couldn't wait.

When We Collided by Emery Lord

I've loved both of Emery Lord's first novels, so her newest one is definitely on my TBR. It doesn't seem as light-hearted as her other books, but her writing feels like summer and her romances are always great, so now's the perfect time for me to read it!

Shuffle, Repeat by Jen Klein

I was desperate to find a cure for my reading slump, so I started browsing new YA releases that sounded light and adorable. This one popped up and it intrigued me, even though it sounds predictable. I'll let you know what I think of it!

P.S. I Like You by Kasie West

Being away from Goodreads and blogs, I forgot that this novel was coming out this summer, which I wasn't proud of. If you didn't know, I'm the biggest Kasie West fan, because she's my go-to when it comes to light-hearted YAs. She writes the cutest stories and her love interests are always so swoony, so I cannot wait to pick this up. Also, it comes out only a few days before I go on vacation, so I know it'll be part of the entire library I'm bringing there!

The Cinderella Pact by Sarah Strohmeyer

This book came out about ten years ago, so it's not a new release, but I've been dying to read it for a really long time. In fact, even before I started reading Strohmeyer's novels, I watched the movie adaptation for this book and I loved it. Since then, I've probably watched it 5 more times, so I was really happy when I found out it was actually a book. I finally got my hands on it, so I can't wait to read this.

Wrecked by Maria Padian

I received this in exchange for a review and I think it sounds really interesting and different from the other YAs I mentionned, so I'm excited to read it!

Classics

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

I've always wanted to read this novel, but when my teachers started talking about it non-stop last semester, I knew I had to read it as soon as possible, so I'm hoping to get to it this summer!

1984 by George Orwell

I've started this book last fall, but I stopped reading and never got back to it. Since I loved Animal Farm and I've heard so many great things about this classic, I just have to read it this summer.

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

I'm going to be honest here: I've never read a thing Hemingway has written, so I have no idea what to expect with this book, However, I'd really like to have an opinion for myself, so that's what I'll be doing this summer.



Mansfield Park by Jane Austen

I've read quite a few of Austen's books and I've loved all of them, so I want to keep going and this novel is the next one on my list. I downloaded the audiobook for it, so I might listen to it when I'm in the car.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn  by Mark Twain

I'm not sure if I'll be able to read it this summer, but I plan on doing it in the future because it'll be part of the season three of Crash Course Literature, which I love. Also, this will be my first Mark Twain book!

Romeo and Juliet  by Shakespeare

Since I have yet to read one of Shakespeare's plays, I decided on this one, because someone lent the book to me ages ago and I want to be able to give it back to that person (I'm the annoying person who has tons of books lent by other people, but it's simply because I didn't ask for them and I never feel like reading them. Also, I think everyone forgets about the books they lent to me). I'm actually really excited to read this!

Series

City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments #6) by Cassandra Clare

It must have been three years since I started reading this series and I still haven't finished it, so it's about time I read this. I think I'll bring it with me on vacation to motivate me.

Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices #1) by Cassandra Clare

Okay, so I won't lie, this book is pretty much the biggest reason why I'm finally going to finish TMI, because it sounds amazing and I really want to read it. Since I've heard that it's better to have read CoHF before reading it, I've been trying to refrain myself from picking it up, but it's a big struggle for me.

The Fiery Heart (Bloodlines #4) by Richelle Mead

I really want to read this novel, since I loved the first three books in the series, which I read this year. It's only a matter of time before I pick it up!

The Last Star (The 5th Wave #3) by Rick Yancey

I'm one of the only ones who liked the movie adaptation for The 5th Wave, so I really want to keep on reading this series, especially since it's the final book and it recently came out. It's one of the ebooks I always have on my phone and e-reader, so I'll pick it up whenever I'm somewhere I can read and I have one of those with me instead of a physical book.

Destined for Doon (Doon #2) by Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon

I've had this book for months and I always want to read it, so I think it's finally time for me to do it. I really liked the first book, so I'm hoping that this will be just as good!

Hearts, Fingers, and Other Things to Cross (Broken Hearts & Revenge #3) by Katie Finn (also known as Morgan Matson, if you didn't know)

As a big Morgan Matson fan, I had to read this series, and I really enjoy it so far. This is literally the perfect summer book, so I can't wait to continue with this series!

Shattered (Slated #3) by Teri Terry

I have honestly loved the first two books in this series, so I bought the third one pretty much as soon as it came out, but I never read it (which is really stupid, I know). Since I own it, I should read it this summer, because I have to know what happens with the story (even though I admittedly don't remember much of it now).

Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4) by Sarah J. Maas

I love this series more with every new book I read, so I am dying to pick this one up. It's been out for quite some time now, so I really have no excuse not to pick it up!

Re-reads

Sapphire Blue & Emerald Green(Precious Stone Trilogy #2 & 3) by Kerstin Gier

This is one of my favourite series of all time and I recently re-read Ruby Red, which got me out of my reading slump, so I just have to continue reading the series.

Rainbow Valley (Anne of Green Gables #7) by Lucy Maud Montgomery

LMM is my favourite author, and this is my favourite series, so I'm almost always reading one of the eight novels in it. I don't remember much about the last two, since I didn't read them as many times as the others, so I'd love to do it this summer.

Out of my Comfort Zone

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkings

I don't usually read thrillers, but I've heard great things about this one. Also, there's going to be a movie adaptation of it, so when I saw it on sale for one dollar, I had to pick it up. Again, it'll probably be part of my vacation library!

The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman

I would read this book simply because of its gorgeous cover and title, but I also think that the summary is incredibly intriguing. It's not really my usual genre, but I think I'll love it anyways, and since they're doing a movie of it, too, I can't wait to read it.

What Lies Within by James Morris

This is a book I received to review and I still haven't read it, which I feel really bad about. The only reason for that is that I'm not a huge fan of thrillers, so I never have the urge to pick one of them when I'm looking for a book to read, but I'll push myself to do it this summer, I swear.

The Choices We Make by Karma Brown

This is a little bit more like something my mom would read, but for some reason, it really intrigues me. I've also received it from its publisher, so it's one more reason for me to read it this summer!

There are a lot of books on this list, but I know I can easily read that many if I don't get any more reading slumps. I can't promise I'll only read these books though, especially since I already have some that I know aren't on this list but that I want to read, so I'm not sure if I'll tackle this entire TBR, but I'll try to! I'll make a readathon of my entire summer if I have to. Good luck on your summer TBR, everyone!

I'M BACK!

Hey guys! 

Before anyone mentions it, I'm going to state it clearly: I've been a terrible blogger. Awful, despicable, but mostly, just ABSENT. I do think that it's fine for me to be less active during the school year, because I am in college, so I should really do my best when I can, but the thing is that I didn't get back to it when I had the chance to do it. I could give you a thousand reasons for that, none of them being a lie, but the most important thing is, I believe, that I am incredibly sorry about that, and ashamed of acting like that, so I'll do my best to change the way things are right now. 

To do that, I have planned a few blog posts that I've been imagining over the past months, so I hope you'll enjoy those. I also have reviews planned, obviously, because reviewing is what I haven't been doing over the past six months or so. I hope I haven't lost all of my abilities in that specific kind of writing, because it's something I simply love doing. 

I hope all of you are doing well and will hopefully like the content to come!

Laurence

Blood, Ink & Fire - Ashley Mansour

Goodreads summary:

Imagine a world without books…
In the future, books are a distant memory. The written word has been replaced by an ever-present stream of images known as Verity. In the controlling dominion of the United Vales of Fell, reading is obsolete and forbidden, and readers themselves do not—cannot—exist.
But where others see images in the stream, teenager Noelle Hartley sees words. She’s obsessed with what they mean, where they came from, and why they found her.

Noelle’s been keeping her dangerous fixation with words a secret, but on the night before her seventeenth birthday, a rare interruption in the stream leads her to a mysterious volume linked to an underworld of rebel book lovers known as the Nine of the Rising. With the help of the Risers and the beguiling boy Ledger, Noelle discovers that the words within her are precious clues to the books of the earlier time—and as a child of their bookless age, she might be the world’s last hope of bringing them back.

Blood, Ink & Fire is a gripping, evocative tale that asks, who would we be without books?


My review:

3/5

This book made me shiver only by reading its summary. As someone who reads every day except for a few day-long reading slumps, I can't even imagine not being able to read. I knew I had to read this book to see what it could be like.

While the part about not being able to read was clear, the rest of this universe was pretty vague. I couldn't get an idea of what the world looked like, how it's ruled or how life in general is. We only see a day in Noelle's normal life before she's thrown into this big adventure to take Fell down, which doesn't let us really see what it's like to live with Verity, the program that watches them and tells them what to do and when to do it. I know we learn what immersion does to the population, but I couldn't really understand how Valers agreed to do it, because it didn't seem like it was really explained to them. Also, many things are different from our society, but I can't really see the explanation behind them, because they don't seem like improvement to me. I wish I had been able to learn more about this interesting world, because it looked like a poor imitation of The Giver's to me (sorry, but I had to say it).

There were a few characters that I really liked, like John, but I feel like we should've seen more of them. I think the big problem here is the fact that it starts pretty much into the action of this story instead of showing a bit more normalcy before truly beginning. This also made it hard for me to believe that Noelle would leave her house like she does after receiving John's gift in the very beginnning, because the instructions it contained weren't really clear to me and I would never expect someone who lives in a world strict like hers to do everything she does in order to meet her friend for an unknown reason. It was very brave of her, since she risked pretty much everything when she did that, but I think there should've been more of a build-up leading to that.


I loved many parts about books and "boolos", which is the word used to refer to book lovers. It's the whole reason why I read this book, so I hoped there would be some and I was glad to discover a couple of them. Noelle's ability to read was fun to read about, especially when she first started reading, because it impacted her a lot and she loved it from the very beginning. In that way, I could see a lot of myself in her.

Many readers could find an amazing book in this, because it certainly has great ideas. It might not sound like it in this review, but I actually had a nice time reading it, so I would recommend it to people who aren't too picky about world building in dystopian novels.

(Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)